Choosing a College, Sixth Form or Training provider Archives

Choosing where to study after leaving secondary school is a big decision. There’s lots to consider – from the courses on offer to the location to the facilities.

The right decision depends on you and your goals for the future so it won’t be the same for everyone. Whilst it’s common to think about where your friends are headed, your choice should be based on your individual needs for your next steps and what you feel is most important to you. In the midst of studying for your GCSEs, making this decision can feel overwhelming.

Here’s a useful guide to thinking about your next steps:

Choose what you wish to study – explore your options for academic study (like A-Levels) and vocational routes (like T-Levels, NVQs, BTECs and Apprenticeships). Find out what each pathway includes, how they’re assessed and their entry requirements.
Find out where you can study them – not all courses or subjects are available at all colleges and sixth forms, so use our Digital Prospectus to find out who offers what and then visit their websites to learn more about their specific offer.
Consider what’s important to you – make a checklist of key factors -in order – that will affect your decision based on what matters most for your circumstances. This could be the pass rates, the facilities, links to employers, extra curricular activities or commute.
Attend open days – use your checklist to compare different colleges and sixth forms against your criteria to help you make a subjective choice about which ranks most highly.
Submit your applications – remember that you can apply for more than one college or sixth form and leave the decision until GCSE Results Day to confirm your place. Check with each provider on applications deadlines and acceptance policies.

For more information, view our range of articles below to find out more about choosing the right college or sixth form for you and watch our top tips for open days video to help you get the most out of your upcoming visits.

Post-16 Careers Week 2024

Post-16 Careers Week 2024 is a week-long virtual careers fair for Years 10 to 13 students to help you start conversations and spark ideas about what comes next after finishing secondary school and college. Designed to showcase the borough’s education and employment options from 16+, Stockport Council and Stockport Jobs Match bring you a host…

Completing a College Application Form

Ready to apply for college or sixth form but need some help completing your college application form? Don’t panic. We’ll help you understand exactly what to include and give you a practice form to complete. You can use it once you know which college(s) and course(s) you are applying too. (If you’re interested in applying for…

Top Ten Most Popular College Courses

Leaving school and considering what comes next? Learn about your choices at 16 or 18+ and what further and higher education pathways could offer you from A-Levels and T-Levels to Vocational and Technical Qualifications, University to Short Study Programmes. There are lots of different ways to reach your ultimate career goal and plenty of support…

What to expect on GCSE Results Day 2024

After an anxious wait following the end of your exams and an early start to the summer break, GCSE Results Day is always a nerve-wracking occasion. Given the past few years have been slightly different due to the pandemic, if you’re due to pick up your results this week, you may be wondering what to…

Post-16 Options for Students with SEND

If you’re currently in Years 9, 10 or 11 with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), there’s a range of options available when you leave school. Stockport Council’s Post-16 Education & Training Guide for students with SEND can help you learn more about what you can study, where you can study it, the support available…

Ourpass Travel Card: Save on your travel if your aged 16-18 years old

When you first leave secondary school, managing your money can become difficult as you need to consider stationary, travel and food as well as extra-curricular activities. A great way to cut out your travel expenses and save some money is to apply for the Ourpass Travel Card. What is the Ourpass Travel Card? If you…

Navigating College and Sixth Form Open Days

The transition from secondary school to college or sixth form is a significant step in every student’s academic journey. As Year 10 and Year 11 students, you stand at the crossroads of possibilities, with choices ranging from A-Levels, T-Levels, BTECs, NVQs, to Apprenticeships. Check out our top tips for college and sixth form open days…….

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